(picks based on standings as of 8PM EST, Dec. 11, 2008)

Round 1, Pick 24) B. J. Raji DT Boston College - after Jonathan Babineaux and perhaps the returning Trey Lewis, the Falcons just have bodies at DT. Grady Jackson has not been the force he's been in the past, and this may very well be his last season in Atlanta, if not the NFL. Atlanta sorely needs to shore up their run defense and upgrade their pass rush. Raji provides the raw bulk, power, and talent to command two blockers, freeing up LBs to flow to the ball against the run and his DL mates to face 1-on-1 matchups rushing the QB.

Round 2, Pick 56) Phil Loadholt OT Oklahoma - Loadholt has underachieved this year, but his raw size and strength would let him succeed at the next level until OC Mike Mularkey and O-Line coach Paul Boudreau shape him up. I would see Loadholt starting immediately at ORT, likely moving incumbent ORT Tyson Clabo inside to ORG and moving current ORG starter Harvey Dahl to the bench. Todd Weiner would likely be released.

Round 3, Pick 88) Joe Burnett CB Central Florida - we here at CDS (particularly yours truly) think Burnett is worthy of going a round higher than this, but my perusal of other sources don't agree (PFW doesn't even have Burnett listed as one of their Top 150 prospects, regardless of position), so I don't think it's impossible to see Burnett "slide" to Round Three. Domonique Foxworth is a candidate to leave via free agency, Brent Grimes proved he was iffy at best as a starter, and Chevis Jackson just doesn't have the pure speed. Burnett could compete for a starting job if Foxworth is not retained.

Round 4, Pick 120) Anthony Hill TE North Carolina State - a massive target with good hands who moves better than you'd think for a man of his dimensions (6' 6" 270lbs). His forte is blocking, which is perfect for Mularkey's system, but he offer more potential as a receiving threat than any other current Falcon TE.

The 1st 3 picks would be a dream!! I would rather have Purvis at TE, Ryan has played with him and have some chemistry already..

Not bad, but the glaring deficiency on the team, which will become even worse this offseason at at OLB. From everything I've read, they have no intention of resigning Michael Boley. Stephen Nicholas was moved to SAM for a reason. Also, Keith Brooking may be given the option to retire (position coach, maybe?) or play for the vet. minimum.


With that in mind, and given that the LBs are kind of thin in free agency, I think LB has to be addressed early in the draft and we'll still look to sure it up through free agency: Dansby and move him back to WLB or get Bart Scott.

I really like Raji, and he certainly makes sense with the implied franchise philosophy, and if Gravy loses his appeal and ends up having to sit the beginning of next season, he probably won't be resigned, so I wouldn't object to this at all. However, looking at the roster and what's been projected so far through free agency, Cushing or Mays might be a more likely target in the 1st round.


On Loadholt... eh, maybe, but Clabo has drawn rave reviews from everyone. He's almost certain to get a max-tender deal (he's an RFA), and we'll have Renardo Foster as a swing OT for depth. If Foster beats him in camp for RT, then Clabo would probably swing inside to RG. I think we need to add an offensive linemen, but he needs to come on the interior. Todd McClure is a great technician, but at several points this year, it's been evident that he may not be the fulcrum for a power running game. I wouldn't be shocked if we looked at C in the draft. Even if we keep McClure... who better to teach a rookie the ins and outs of the position.


At CB, I disagree that this is a need at all. Foxworth, Houston, Jackson, Grimes are a top notch group of corners. Lawyer Milloy will be leaving via free agency ( FO doesn't want him b/c of his arrest and age), so if want to improve the secondary, SS makes the most sense. Foxworth is a free agent, but I don't see us letting him get away unless he wants to go... and in that case I fully expect ATL to go after Dunta Robinson hard and heavy. Great character guy, great onfield and lockerroom leader, and he's a local to the ATL area, so it makes sense. We may draft a CB later to compete with David Irons and Fred Grimes, but I don't see too much more being invested.

The best way to improve the secondary isn't too draft a corner or safety, it's to draft someone who can meet John Abraham at the quarterback: be he LB, DE, or DT. The corners we have have played exceedingly well.

A TE in the 4th... eh, maybe. I'm not a huge fan of using an early pick at this position. I think Peele is doing a good job and that we can probably get a 2nd TE for a lot cheaper than we're paying Hartsock. I wouldn't be pissed if we burned another 4th rounder at TE, but I think the pick could be better spent at LB or securing another pass rusher.



GOTTA REMEMBER, next season we get both Renardo Foster and Trey Lewis back from injury. And as worried as we all are that Trey won't have the same burst from the middle, remember that he'll have had 18 months of rest on that knee. He'll be as ready as he will ever be to play.

What about:

1st: DT B.J. Raji
2nd: OLB Clint Sintim (based mostly on value... and pass rush ability)
3rd: C/OG Max Unger: (I'm dreaming, I know) big, strong, and could start at RG while learning C position... or vice versa.
4th: SS/OLB Keith Ellison... maybe
6th: OLB Jonathan Casillas... would help with team speed, too. We don't have anyone to cover flex-backs like Reggie Bush or Westbrook.
6th: TE Shawn Nelson
7th: DT Richard Washington (local guy, we may want to lock him in, instead of risk losing him to another team via UDFAR)


OR...


1st: OLB Brian Cushing
2nd: SS Michael Hamlin
3rd: C/OG Max Unger
4th: DT Ron Brace
6th: OLB Jonathan Casillas
6th: TE Shawn Nelson
7th: DT Richard Washington

Doesn't do a lot for the pass rush.... hopefully FA would fix that. I'm assuming we re-sign Foxworth, so that's where the 5th round goes.

Clint Sintim is a very interesting prospect, he's likely best suited to being a 3-4 OLB, however if he improves the ability to handle coverage responsibilities, might project to a 4-3 SAM. If he has a big combine he might climb, but he's a risky pick if the system does not fit his skills.

Yeah, and I've read the scouting report you guys have that he's not exactly a universal 100% effort guy. I read, I assimilate, I marinate.


The main reason I put him there b/c of the pass rush ability. Too many of these 2nd-4th round LBs look alike to me at this point. I'm sure they'll separate themselves out over the next three months. Atlanta desperately needs some speed and instinct at an OLB position... if not at both SAM and WILL, but pass rush is a bigger problem.


I was against us drafting Lofton last year b/c I was worried:
a) he'd be just a two down MLB.... which so far he has been. I'm old enough to remember the Jessie Tuggle days; great MLB, punishing defensive player, but not fast and not good in coverage. Although, Lofton may improve enough in zone coverage this off-season so that he's not a liability.

b ) I knew there were better MLBs coming out in '09.... That was off, I never thought we'd turn the ship around so fast. Lofton has been a great asset so far, but now we have to go out and find some complimentary OLBs.


Any thoughts on the prospect of getting Dansby out of Arizona and putting him at WLB?

He disappears for long stretches. Will likely be over-drafted because of his measurables.

Exactly, sounds like Cleveland or Cincy in the 2nd round to me.


But as I said... of the OLBs who currently are projected in the 2nd round, he's the better pass rusher, so that's why I picked him. I've been disappointed with a lot of the LB play I've seen from guys (particularly SEC and Ohio State guys) who were supposed to be top prospects for this draft.


I would've posted Marcus Freeman in that mock, but he reminds me too much of DeMorrio Williams, and Van Gorder's D is a committee D. We need guys to be dependable on staying in their gaps.

Sintim reminds me a little of Sintim in how he like said before, disseapers at times...

Scott has never played in a 4/3, risking lots of money for a plauyr like that doesnt make sense... Ed Hartwell clone? Maybe, same team, same situation...Granted Hartwell was hurt, but still never really was a stud in ATL IMO.

Dansby and Dunta would be a great FA Haul and I would love it... I think Leonard Pope might be a FA. He went to UGA so if given a good enough deal proboly would be interested. He's a great blocker, almost another T in there in the run game and takes a load to take down.

Here's a guy I'd love to get- Tank Johnson . His act has been perfect since his suspension. He got it shortened by staying out of trouble and seems like he's become a high caliber player. Fits a need, and may be able to get him cheap.

Heres my draft, assuming we get Dunta, Dansby and Pope.



REMEMBER- Asomugha's a FA, and IDK if he wants to stay in OAK, I mean who would?

This draft is based on us getting Dunta, Dansby and Pope...

1- Raji
2- Kam Chancellor/Rashad Johnson
3- Marcus Freeman
4- AQ Shipley
5- Sean Sester
6- Myron Rolle (Its worth it to get his rights when he's done with school)
7- Ray Feinga

Also, Rob James comes back. IDK how much of an impact he'll make, but he has good speed and agility... You never know, TD must have seen something good...

Valid comments, all.

I agree that the secondary would look a lot better with an improved pass rush, hence going after a DL before a DB. However, I must respectfully disagree with the evaluation of the CB corps. Foxworth and Houston both look like # 2s to me. Neither is a # 1. Jackson and Grimes look like nickel and dime guys. Irons forte in 2007 was special teams, but he hasn't been a force there this year.

A safety (at least one) would definitely be nice, but our 2009 starters may already be on the roster in Coleman and DeCoud.

I think the drafting of Loadholt would improve the OG position, because Clabo would move inside. Not that I wouldn't mind Duke Robinson or Herman Johnson, but I don't think either player will fall to pick # 56.

TE is not a huge need, hence waiting until the fourth round to address it. Nevertheless, ti will only make Matt Ryan better if he has as many weapons to utilize as possible.

As far as LB goes, obviously anything can happen, but my best guess is that Boley is brought back and stays on the strongside. Brooking, due to his age, will be allowed to move on. Nicholas will move back to the weakside and start in Brooking's place.

Well Andrew, I'm glad Sintim reminds you of himself...I'm kinda glad that that's true!

I really wouldn't want Tank Johnson -- the system Dallas have in place to deal with guys like him is supposedly phenomenal and I'd be so worried that he'd revert to type. Besides, TD only wants high caliber guys anyway...

WOW I meant he reminds me of Gholston, who hasnt been able to hit the field

And Tank has been a high caliber since his re-entry into the league...

If the decision not to resign Michael Boley and Lawyer Milloy was made almost immediately following their arrests (as reported throughout this season at AJC.com; PFW.com; etc) , what makes you think the front office is even going to bring up Tank Johnson's name?

Good point about Loadholt and Clabo. However, I think Renardo Foster showed enough promise at LT last season to warrant a serious shot at RT, which given his size and power should be his natural position. My assumption is that Foster will be good enough to win the starting job... thus providing at upgrade at RT and enabling Clabo to either move to starting RG or be a reserve at both positions. Unger projects to OG or C, and longterm we need to look for a replacement for McClure. He's a great technician, but it's hard to have a power running game when our C isn't powerful.

And I'm sorry, but you're wrong about Michael Boley. It's been reported all season that Atlanta had changed their minds about re-signing him, and Sunday he was benched for Coy Wire. This isn't something I just made up, the evidence is all over the place.

Ditto on Boley's future and Wire is a stopgap, Tyrone McKenzie or Darry Beckwith might be a nice fit in the 2nd, Alex Mack Eric Wood or might be the upgrade at C you are seeking in the 3rd, Travis Beckum or Ryan Purvis might add depth at TE in the 4th, CB Bruce Johnson or CB Brandon Hughes in the 5th, CB Ryan Palmer or safety Randy Phillips in the 6th, and WR Aaron Kelly or sleeper safety Ricky Price 7th.

I'm still looking to see what all the excitement is about with McKenzie. I just haven't seen it yet...

He has versatility and good measurables, I like Dannell Ellerbe better and think he is a 'Will' or a Farrioresque 3-4 ILB at the next level.

Ellerbe had a down a season and being a UGA fan I was really hoping for big things this year. It seems like Georgia players in general are kind of getting maligned by scouts for not being strong, tough, or smart... can't figure out why that would be what with their stunning arrest records off the field and their personal fouls on it.


That said, do you think Ellerbe is ready to be depended upon on an NFL field? He seems to miss assignments and get lost in zones when I watch him. Ditto on Derry Beckwith.


Van Gorder would be more familiar with him (Ellerbe) than anyone having recruited him at UGA, so it's still possible he could land in Atlanta.

I wouldn't draft any of these guys before round four myself, but at least Ellerbe has shown me he has 2nd round talent, if not the mental makeup for it...

That'd be about right, I think. I think we're going to need two starters at OLB. We'll have cap space, a GM who used to be a scout, and we have an owner who likes to write checks, so I think we'll go really hard after someone in free agency.


Smith, at J-ville, appeared to value DL and secondary over linebackers, but Van Gorder is a big front-7 believer, so I really don't know where we'll end up prioritizing linebackers in the draft.

We need to sure up the defensive line and replace Lawyer Milloy, but as it now looks like Haynesworth may actually hit the open market in two months, and Jermaine Phillips (so I've read) is going to be allowed to walk by TB, we may fill those holes before the draft.

I'm gonna stick with Raji in the first round, but upon furhter review I can definitely see the argument for a C over an OT, especially if we could snag Jordan Gross away from Carolina in free agency.

I'm also forgetting that we'll get Von Hutchins back from injury next year. I still don't see him as a # 1 CB in the NFL, either, but his return certainly lowers the need to get a CB in the draft. Landing somebody like Asomugha or Robinson in free agency would obviously eliminate CB as a need come Draft Weekend. So safety would be a bigger need than corner, but there are possibilities in free agency there, too. Sean Jones, anybody? O. J. Atogwe?

As far as OLB goes, I respect what everybody is hearing and seeing in regards to Boley, but let me say just one thing: smokescreens are not only thrown up come draft time...

That being said, I wouldn't mind seeing Dansby or Angelo Crowell or Channing Crowder in Atlanta.

As far as TE goes, nobody in free agency really blows me away. I would've loved to have Mark Bruener or Jimmy Kleinsasser about 5 - 6 years ago, but not anymore.

So, all that being said, let's try this for an early four round Falcon mock draft...

Round 1, Pick 27 - B. J. Raji DT Boston College

Round 2, Pick 59 - Alex Mack C California

Round 3, Pick 91 - Curtis Taylor S LSU

Round 4, Pick 123 - Marcus Freeman OLB Ohio State

Better?

The smokescreen theory doesn't explain why they benched him Sunday. And keep in mind his agent and the Altanta front office were days away from finalizing a new contract when he was arrested before the season. With respect, it's not a smokescreen. It's an intentional strategic move.

No, Hutchins isn't a #1 by far. I think #1 corners are overrated, though. All it really accomplishes is shifting the passing focus away from a small area. It's easy to take a great corner out of the game, just don't throw at him. I think what we have in Foxworth/Houston/etc. etc. is something more valuable. It's a group without a real weakness, and for the most part, I think they've shown pretty solid improvement during the season. I do wish they'd make a few more plays, but I feel like those will come with time and as they learn the system.

Hutchins may not even have a spot next season. Grimes was beating him and eventually won the starting job during preseason, and Grimes is now the dime corner.

Crowder is an inside guy. Dansby is currently playing Mike, but he's also been a Sam and Will in his career.

No probs with the first two picks here. Mack would be a great pick, a smart pick, a pick I expect our coaching staff and Dimitroff to consider if Mack or Unger are on the board. The safeties at LSU have been attrocious this season. It could be a case of poor preparation by the coaching staff, but that hasn't been a problem for that staff before this season.

When I've watched Freeman, he reminded me too much of DeMorrio Williams in the bad ways. He gets out of position, he misses his gap assignments. One guy on the field doing that can turn a good defense into a terrible defense.

Not a bad foursome, but even at this early point of the eval. process, I think we can do better.

The safety postiton is insanely deep now... I like Curtis Taylro, but more like round 5 or 6. In round three, Derek Pegues or Patrick Chungs should be available, and both are better players I think...

If we're looking DT and C on the first day, why not Peria Jerry in round one and Antoine Caldwell in the second?

I happen to think that Thomas DeCoud is going to get a shot at the starting SS job during camp.

If we were to go secondary on day one, I would want DJ Moore from Vandy -- I just can't see us being in the right position to take him.

Why not Jerry in Round One?

Two reasons:

1) Raji is the higher rated player according to most sources, and

2) a personal quirk of mine. I prefer big, bulky, powerful, naturally 300+ pound DTs. We've got an undersized penetrator already in Babineaux. We don't need another one. We're likely to lose Jackson during the offseason, so we'll need a true NT.

For what it's worth, 3) I wasn't impressed with Jerry in the one game I saw him play.

I think that's early for both guys. However, you're not going to read me knocking Dimitroff for taking a guy who's played under Saban, especially if they're DL, OL, or DB.

There's no reason to think DeCoud couldn't win the job. However, if he doesn't OR if he gets hurt, then what? With the depth at safety in this draft. In round 2 and round 3 and 4, we're likely to get a BPA situation with a player at that position. I know others disagree, but I think we're pretty close to set at corner, already. And if we did go corner, I'd want someone bigger and more physical than Moore. His size dictates that he'll probably never be better than a nickle man in the NFL. He's not a hitter, either.

I agree with you in principal. I do think we'd get a bigger DT if given the choice. It's what Van Gorder was most successful with at UGA (Stroud, Seymour, etc.) and Smith at J-ville during his time there. We have Trey Lewis coming back next season, and he's 330 lbs. They also seem pretty committed to giving JaMaal Anderson a shot at playing DT on passing downs to get more speed on the field. Anderson hasn't worked out so far, but I think next year is his make or break year, so I wouldn't look for the team to write him off yet.

However, we simply have to improve the pass rush somehow. If a 290 lb. DT shows promise above the rest of the pack, then I think we'd consider him.

Why not trade up and target Cody? You like BIG, he's gotta be the man...

Based on how high I've seen him projected to go, I think it would cost too much to move up that much. Only if we'd filled virtually every other need via free agency do I think that kind of a trade would be worthwhile.

Raji, on the other hand, particularly considering the number of underclassmen who are likely to come out that will push him down the board, might very well be available in the bottom third of the first round.

Regarding Trey Lewis, even though he is a natural 300+ pounder, something about him just doesn't say "nose tackle" to me. If the Falcons were to get Raji, I could actually see him, Lewis, and Babineaux working in some sort of rotational / situational setup where, when it's all said and done, all three of them see pretty much an equal number of snaps. Perhaps, for example, where Lewis would be the UT in obvious running situations and the NT in obvious passing situations.

Misc responses...

I recently read a bit on PFW that said some feel part of Boley's problems this year have been do to him ont being a good fit for the scheme. The Falcon's current defense calls for more reading and reacting, and Boley's more of an attack guy. That being said, the article also stated that the Falcons would be willing to bring him back for the right price.

Channing Crowder can play inside or outside. He came into the NFL as an OLB. He plays inside right now because the Dolphins play a 3-4 "D."

Yes, you can eliminate a #1 CB from the game by not throwing at him. Of course, by doing so, you also eliminate whatever WR you have that's being covered by that CB from the game - which is the whole point of having a #1 CB in the first place.

For what it's worth, I'm not sold on Renardo Foster. I'm not sold on Ojinnaka, either.